You will probably get many suggestions on supporting a T/C off the truck. Personally I utilize the electric jacks and 4 travel trailer leveling jacks with 2 2" X 6" X 50" planks.
I placed the leveling jacks at 45* angles toward each other and it seemed to help with the high winds.
We just had some 60+ MPH winds blow through here a couple of weeks ago. It weathered those winds well.
I can also collapse the leveling jacks and put the planks in the wheel wells so that I can utilize them at a camp site and have it very stable.
They also allow for very precise leveling, especially on very unlevel ground.
Combat Vietnam VeteranSupport our troops for serving our great country.
1997 Veri Lite RL1200 on a '02, K3500, CC, DRW, 8.1L, Allison, 4.1 gears, Bridgestone 225/70R19.5 tires.
I have used my camper several times off the truck, even with the slideout out. What I do, is lower the camper as far down as possible, taking care to watch the generator exhaust, and sewer outlets. I also use support blocks under all 4 camper jack legs. I support my camper on 5 or 6 lengths of 4x4's, under the center part of my floor. This works for me, gets my camper down on the ground, and it is very stable off the truck. I don't rely on my camper jacks to support the weight, I use the 4x4's for that. But, my camper jacks are used to keep it stable. My camper is a Lance 1181, so it is pretty big. So far, never had a problem, and have done this many times. Just make sure you are on a reasonably level area.
readytow wrote: I have used my camper several times off the truck, even with the slideout out. What I do, is lower the camper as far down as possible, taking care to watch the generator exhaust, and sewer outlets. I also use support blocks under all 4 camper jack legs. I support my camper on 5 or 6 lengths of 4x4's, under the center part of my floor. This works for me, gets my camper down on the ground, and it is very stable off the truck. I don't rely on my camper jacks to support the weight, I use the 4x4's for that. But, my camper jacks are used to keep it stable. My camper is a Lance 1181, so it is pretty big. So far, never had a problem, and have done this many times. Just make sure you are on a reasonably level area.
Thanks for posting this - we have an 1181 and I was thinking the same thing....wondering what to do....
Mr. Muffin
2006 Newmar Dutch Star 4306
2001 Jeep Wrangler or our Harley trailer
I have done this for the last 2 years, on 4+ hunting trips, and have had myself, wife, baby, and hunting buddy all in the camper without a problem. Was REALLY nervous the first time, but, after I got used to it, it works well. It clears the truck for going in the woods looking for game, and the wife is comfortable with the baby in the camper while we are gone. BUT, it is very important to start on a level are first. Can't stress that enough.
I use screwjacks and 2 2x6's cross braces under the floor, it's very stable that way and easy to support it, even on uneven ground. I store the 2x6's above the wheelwells inside the bed on self made brackets when the TC is on the truck, so they are always with me. The screwjacks go in the front of the bed, between the TC and bed.
I'm not sure about the 3000 series, but the owners manual for my Bigfoot 2500 says it needs support of the truck. I think it might have to do with the flexing of the fiberglass causing stress cracks in the area of the jack mounts. I've used mine without, but it's a lot more stable when supported. There were a couple of years, (my 2000 year model included) that were not built with enough cabover height, so Bigfoot provided an aluminum frame to set the camper on in the truck bed. I just use that under the camper, supported by a jack at each corner.
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